Christmas Pearls

Come, prized pearls of purpose, who Jesus adores!
Dance free with your Lover who wins all your wars.

The Bright Star of Heaven came perfect and weak.
He died this way too, that His face you might seek.

Come praise and proclaim Him who pardons your soul.
Who heals and delivers each part of you, whole!

Leap high like a child who your Savior pursues.
Come boldly embrace Him who walks in your shoes.

The Lord seeks and sees you. Find purpose and rest.
His Presence proves perfect, amidst every test.

poem by Cheryl Ricker

Dwight and I began our joyful January 2023 in lovely Los Cabos, BCS, Mexico with one of our favorite groups of Jesus lovers! Wonderful worship, transformative teaching, steady sunshine, and dangerously all-inclusive meals!

With February came a sudden trip to Canada when my precious stepdad graduated to heaven. Beyond thankful God told me to visit him back in November. Whenever we drive by a cow, we picture Murray leaning over heaven’s balcony, bellowing his fun-loving, “MOO!” “Oh, Papa!” the boys loved to say. Miss him!

In March, Dwight and I officiated our first wedding together. What an honor to pour into a precious couple who requested an evangelistic wedding. Serious seeds planted for THE Bridegroom!

Precious friends came to support me when I keynoted on “Intimacy with God” at a cozy March women’s retreat. I then attended the Rochester Bethel Leadership Network (BLN) as Hayley Braun (from California) testified about her life-changing encounter where God delivered her from the fear of man. How fun to give her an autographed copy of the Masterpiece Edition of the Passion Translation!

In April, I attended a Miracles in the Marketplace conference where I met and prayed with many new friends. It was a joy to work my book table again!

In June, we vacationed with friends in Florida. Then we drove with our sons to family camp in Montana. Now that’s a road trip! But wow, the mountains in Glacier National Park! What an artist, our Beloved!

In July, on the heels of Montana, we pulled into our longtime AG Minnesota camp for a few days. Throughout this amazing summer, we were blessed to see some of my clients who visited from out of state. How I love them!

In August, I spoke at an online writer’s conference. Then Dwight and I went to a little cabin in Wisconsin to enjoy a couple days on a pontoon boat for our 28th wedding anniversary on the Mississippi River!

September unfolded with a testimony-rich wedding reception where God connected me to a new friend who nudged me to start a much-needed group of intercessors. I sure need prayer! So please let me know if you feel led to be one of my intercessors, too.

In October, after volunteering at a women’s conference, Dwight and I went to Stillwater, MN to celebrate part two of our anniversary. Next came a surprise all-expense paid trip to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, thanks to the generosity of a dear friend I’ve known since 4th grade and his lovely wife!

In November, a friend from our Mexico trip invited me to join eight dear sisters in the idylic Idyllwild, California where we prayed, fellowshipped, and worshipped the Lover of our soul in unity, sweet unity.

My heart is full yet hungrier than ever for Jesus, who is my absolute everything! Yes, we battle health challenges; but God is the strength of our lives—and yours! Friend, he invites you to meet with him in the secret place. Draw near to him and he will draw near to you (James 4:8.) Indeed, the Lover of your soul longs for your ever-increasing intimacy with him. Good news:  your Prince of Peace and Shepherd-King is as close as the mention of his Name. Jesus…

Until you hear from us again next year, may your 2024 be filled to overflowing with God’s captivating, contagious, unforgettable love and power!!

Love, prayers, blessings, hugs always,

Cheryl, Dwight, William, and Justin Ricker

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!